If your beer has gotten to a place where it's honestly pretty good, but not quite where you'd like it to be yet as far as flavor and quality, then you might want to consider looking for a wort chiller sooner than later. They can improve the quality of your beer by leaps and bounds quicker than you realize.
Wort chillers function to instantly chill your hot wort combination to yeast rising temperature, assisting to lessen oxidation & resulting in an excellent-tasting beer. This process additionally cuts down on the probability of bacterial development which can spoil even the most meticulously brewed beers.
However, deciding on the right one for you can be a daunting task especially when there are numerous types in the market. Here's what you should consider when shopping for one of your own.
1. Only Buy Wort Chillers From Top And Trusted Brands
When it comes to items like wort chillers, it really pays off to go with trusted brands that have built solid reputations for providing quality at affordable prices that won't break the bank. For instance, there are companies which have been producing the very best counterflow wort chillers money can buy for years and years, so you really can't go wrong with them.
Don't forget to pay attention to consumer reviews as well, especially in regards to individual models! Researching what other homebrewers did and didn't like about a particular item will help you determine what's right for you better than any sales pitch or advertisement ever could.
2. The Type of Chiller Best For Your Needs
Wort chillers come in two basic types:
> Immersion
> counter-flow
Both types get the job down and get it done well, but you may find that one fits more easily into your personal routine than the other does. Immersion chillers are simple, cheaper, and easier to clean and sanitize. On the other hand, counterflow chillers work better at minimizing the amount of time the wort spends in the temperature "danger zone" when it's more susceptible to infection. They also get the job done more quickly than the immersion type.
Some homebrewers like to start with an immersion style wort chiller because of budgetary concerns and because of the ease of use and then upgrade to counterflow chillers later on down the line. However, you may decide that counter-flow is the better option for you right off the bat.
3. Compare Prices Online Before You Make A Purchase
While it's possible to locate used wort chillers for excellent prices, you can just as easily buy new ones if you check out what's available online. Online equipment suppliers don't have to pay for expensive overhead costs the way brick and mortar shops do, so they're free to pass the savings on to the consumer.
In conclusion, when you know what to look for in advance, even shopping for complicated items like wort chillers becomes a simple process, so don't let the newness of the concept intimidate you! They represent the perfect opportunity to send the quality of your homebrew into the stratosphere and your only complaint will be that you didn't have yours a lot sooner!
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